Holy Week travelers told: Don’t let public know no one’s at home

FILE PHOTO: Local and foreign tourists enjoy the clear waters and powdery white sand of Boracay Island, one of the top beach getaways in the Philippines. INQUIRER/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — People planning to leave their houses to take their Holy Week break should refrain from letting the world know that no one is left at home – and feed the appetite of burglars.

The Philippine National Police issued this warning on Holy Tuesday, as well as other reminders for travelers to avoid bringing big pieces of luggage and large amounts of cash during their trips.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said huge volumes of passengers in terminals and ports could be expected this week, so holidaymakers should go earlier to avoid the deluge.

“Hangga’t maaari po ay huwag na po kayong magdala ng malalaking bagahe dahil asahan ninyo po na siksikan po ang magiging biyahe ngayon,” she said in a public briefing.

(As much as possible, avoid bringing large luggage because expect that trips will be packed during this season.)

“Huwag na rin po kayong magdala ng mga malalaking halaga ng pera at ingatan po natin iyong ating mga bagahe at mga personal na kagamitan,” Fajardo added.

(Also, avoid bringing huge amounts of cash and take care of your personal belongings.)

Fajardo likewise emphasized that vacationers should try to abstain from posting about their trips on social media, especially when no one will be left to man their abodes for days or weeks since this may attract criminals to break into their houses.

She further said travelers should also ensure their doors and gates are amply locked and secured. Asking a trustworthy neighbor to look for their house can be a good idea, too.

“Hangga’t maaari ay iwasan po natin na mag-post sa ating mga respective social media accounts na tayo po ay bibiyahe, huwag nating i-post iyong ating mga plane ticket, iyong ating mga bus tickets,” she said.

(As much as possible, avoid posting about your trips, your plane ticket, and your bus tickets on social media.)

“‘Yan ay ginagawa nating paalala para doon naman po sa mga kriminal na nagbabantay din sa cyberspace ay hindi magkakaroon ng idea na kayo ay bibiyahe at wala pong tao sa inyong mga tahanan,” Fajardo added.

(We issue these reminders so criminals who lurk in cyberspace will not know you are away and no one is left at home.)

So far, the PNP has not monitored any untoward incident since Easter Sunday (April 2), according to Fajardo.

She added that the PNP is currently on “heightened alert” and has already deployed nearly 78,000 personnel nationwide for “maximum police visibility” during the Holy Week and for the duration of the school “summer” break.

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